The NCAA Tournament is now down to four teams after a wild weekend of Elite 8 games that ended with No. 1 Duke having its season come to an end against Michigan State in an instant classic.
Tom Izzo and the Spartans will be joined in Minneapolis by Auburn, Texas Tech, and Virginia in what should be a wide open Final Four.
Seriously, who had those four teams in their brackets?
Before we start looking ahead to the seminfals, let’s look back at the best moments from the Elite 8.
Best job of dancing by a coach after a huge win: Tom Izzo, Michigan State.
The legendary Michigan State coach had a great time with his guys after they knocked off Duke in an instant classic.
Best job of editing a Wikipedia page: Whoever did this.
Nice one, internet.
Best job of avoiding hitting your head on the backboard after blocking a shot: Zion Williamson, Duke.
I mean, come on.
Best job of scoring a big bucket while flying through the air and not looking at the hoop: Matt McQuaid, Michigan State.
Now that’s how you adjust on the fly, literally, and make the best of a tough situation that didn’t go as initially planned.
Most excited Michigan State fan after the win: This guy.
Yup, he was pretty happy to see his team beat Duke and advance to the Final Four.
Best moment for an injured star: Chuma Okeke, Auburn.
Auburn’s star player suffered a season-ending knee injury in Friday’s Sweet 16 win. He showed up at halftime on Sunday to cheer on his guys and was able to celebrate with them after, which was great.
Best job of quietly questioning a call while having sweaty shoulders: Bruce Pearl, Auburn.
This wonderful moment from the second half of Auburn’s win over Kentucky is going to be a GIF that will be used for years and years and years.
Best buzzer-beater to save your season: Mamadi Diakite, Virginia.
This was an absolutely incredible way to force overtime, where Virginia would go on to win and advance to the Final Four.
Best moment of true sportsmanship: Carsen Edwards and Mamadi Diakite.
That’s what it’s all about right there.
Most emotional postgame speech after a big win: Chris Beard, Texas Tech.
Texas Tech is the surprise team in the Final Four and coach Beard talked to the team after Saturday’s win over Gonzaga about a friend of the program who was too sick to get to the games but was with them in spirit. Good stuff.
Best celebratory scream after getting to the Final Four a year after losing to a No. 16 seed: Tony Bennett, Virginia.
Virginia is the only No. 1 seed to make it to the Final Four, which has to feel great after what happened to them in last year’s tournament.
